Cabinet lock for use with programmable electronic key

ABSTRACT

A cabinet lock for protecting merchandise within a merchandise display cabinet having an inner door and an outer door. The cabinet lock includes a strike plate affixed to the inner door and a lock housing affixed to the outer door such that the cabinet is in a locked configuration that prevents access to the merchandise when the lock housing is operably engaged to the strike plate. A programmable electronic key communicates a security code with the cabinet lock and transfers electrical power to the cabinet lock to operate a lock mechanism between the locked configuration and an unlocked configuration. An indicator is provided for indicating whether the cabinet lock is in the locked configuration or the unlocked configuration. The indicator includes a first segment and a second segment that can be energized to visually indicate the status of the cabinet lock.

CROSS REFERENCE To RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.13/629,812, filed Sep. 28, 2012, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/540,577, filed Sep. 29, 2011, and U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/625,054, filed Apr. 16, 2012, the entiredisclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to merchandise display securitysystems and methods for displaying and protecting items of merchandisefrom theft. More particularly, the invention relates to a merchandisesecurity device and a merchandise security key. In exemplaryembodiments, the invention is a cabinet lock for use with a programmableelectronic key that communicates a security code with the cabinet lockand transfers electrical power to the cabinet lock. In an exemplaryembodiment, the programmable electronic key and the cabinet lockcommunicate the security code via wireless communication, while the keytransfers electrical power to the cabinet lock via inductive transfer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is common practice for retailers to store and/or display relativelyexpensive items of merchandise that are subject to theft on or within amerchandise fixture, such as a security display (e.g. alarm stand),security fixture (e.g. display hook, cabinet, shelf, etc.) or securitypackaging. In most instances, the merchandise fixture openly displaysthe merchandise so that a potential purchaser may view, and in someinstances, operate the merchandise before making a purchase. At the sametime, the merchandise is secured by a merchandise security device so asto prevent, or at least deter, theft of the merchandise. The value ofthe merchandise, however, may nevertheless make the merchandise anattractive target for a shoplifter despite the presence of themerchandise security device. Thus, a determined shoplifter may stillattempt to detach or remove the merchandise from the merchandisesecurity device.

In the case of a security fixture, and in particular a merchandisedisplay cabinet, the merchandise security device is oftentimes closed orlocked with a lock to prevent merchandise from being removed from thecabinet without the assistance of an authorized person, such as a salesassociate. In most instances, the lock includes a conventional tumbleror spring-biased lock mechanism operated by a non-programmable, manuallyoperated mechanical or magnetic key. In certain instances, however, themerchandise security device is secured by a lock including a lockmechanism that is operated by a merchandise security key in the form ofa programmable electronic key. An example of a merchandise securitydevice including a lock mechanism operated by a programmable electronickey is the programmable electronic cabinet lock and associatedprogrammable electronic key available from InVue Security Products Inc.of Charlotte, N.C., USA. The programmable electronic cabinet lock andkey available from InVue Security Products is shown and described inco-owned U.S. application Ser. No. 13/222,225 filed on Aug. 31, 2011,entitled ELECTRONIC KEY FOR MERCHANDISE SECURITY DEVICE, the disclosureof which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The aforementioned cabinet lock presents a potential security concernfor retailers in certain applications. More specifically, the cabinetlock must be completely separated from the conventional saw-tooth lockarm that is affixed to one of the cabinet doors in order to open thedoor and access the merchandise within the cabinet. As a result, thesales associate must hold the cabinet lock in one hand while removingthe merchandise from the cabinet for the potential purchaser. The lockarm is typically disposed on the innermost door, and thus, is notavailable to replace the cabinet lock on the lock arm when the doors areoverlapped to access the merchandise within the cabinet.

If the sales associate temporarily places the cabinet lock behind or ona display counter, the lock may become lost or stolen while the salesassociate's attention is focused on the potential sale. On the otherhand, if the sales associate temporarily places the cabinet lock withina pocket of clothing, he or she may become distracted and neglect toreplace the cabinet lock onto the cabinet.

Alternatively, the sales associate must close the cabinet doors andreplace the cabinet lock on the lock arm immediately after retrievingthe desired merchandise from within the cabinet. Replacing the cabinetlock each time merchandise is retrieved from the cabinet is both timeconsuming and distracting to the customer, especially when the customerdesires to examine and evaluate multiple items of merchandise stored andsecured within the same cabinet. In any event, separating the cabinetlock from the lock arm presents a potential security breach that must beaddressed by the retailer. The merchandise security key for the cabinetlock likewise is typically separated from the cabinet lock after openingthe cabinet. However, the key is oftentimes tethered to a conventionalrecoiler mechanism worn by the sales associate. Thus, when tethered tothe sales associate, the merchandise security key for use with thecabinet lock does not present an additional security breach to beaddressed by the retailer.

Accordingly, there exists a need for a merchandise security device fordisplaying and protecting items of merchandise from theft including alock that can be unlocked using a merchandise security key to provideaccess to the merchandise without having to remove a portion of the lockfrom the security device. There exists a particular unresolved need fora merchandise security fixture, namely a merchandise display cabinet,including a cabinet lock that remains attached to the cabinet afterbeing unlocked to access merchandise within the cabinet. There exists amore specific need for such a cabinet lock and a programmable electronickey that communicates data, for example a security code, with thecabinet lock and transfers electrical power from the key to the cabinetlock to unlock the cabinet.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description of the invention provided below may be betterunderstood with reference to the accompanying drawing figures, whichdepict one or more exemplary embodiments of a merchandise securitydevice and a merchandise security key for use with the merchandisesecurity device in a merchandise display security system and methodaccording to the invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates a merchandise display security device for displayingand protecting items of merchandise from theft, namely a merchandisedisplay cabinet including a cabinet lock according to the invention withthe cabinet lock mounted on the cabinet in a locked configuration.

FIG. 2 illustrates an electronic merchandise security key according tothe invention configured for use with the cabinet lock of FIG. 1 withthe electronic key positioned to unlock the cabinet lock and therebyaccess merchandise stored within the cabinet.

FIG. 3 illustrates the cabinet lock of FIG. 1 in an unlockedconfiguration with the left-hand door and the right-hand door of thecabinet partially opened.

FIG. 4 illustrates the cabinet lock of FIG. 1 in an unlockedconfiguration with the left-hand door of the cabinet partially openedand the right-hand door of the cabinet further opened.

FIG. 5 shows an exemplary embodiment of a lock housing of the cabinetlock of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 shows an exemplary embodiment of a strike plate of the cabinetlock of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 shows an exemplary embodiment of an optional metal strap havingthrough reliefs for use with the strike plate of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 shows the underside of the lock housing of FIG. 5.

FIG. 9 illustrates various operational states of the cabinet lock asindicated by an indicator provided on the lock housing of FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the accompanying drawing figures wherein like referencenumerals denote like elements throughout the various views, one or moreexemplary embodiments of a merchandise display security device forprotecting merchandise from theft are shown. A merchandise displaysecurity device according to the invention is operable for use with amerchandise fixture that stores and/or displays merchandise, forexample, in a retail store. In the exemplary embodiments shown anddescribed herein, a merchandise display cabinet, indicated generally at10, is provided with a cabinet lock, indicated generally at 20, inaccordance with the invention. A merchandise security key, indicatedgenerally at 40, is provided to unlock the cabinet lock 20 and therebyaccess one or more items of merchandise 11 stored within the cabinet 10.The cabinet lock 20 does not contain an internal source of electricalpower, and as such, is herein termed an “electrically passive” securitydevice for purposes of describing the invention. The merchandisesecurity key 40 contains an internal source of electrical power, such asa conventional extended-life or rechargeable battery, capacitor or thelike, and transfers electrical power to the cabinet lock 20 for at leastthe purpose of unlocking the cabinet 10, as will be described in greaterdetail hereafter.

In particularly advantageous embodiments, the merchandise security keyis a programmable electronic key 40 with inductive transfer capabilityand the cabinet lock 20 is provided with cooperating inductive receivingcapability to both unlock and lock the cabinet 10. However, it should benoted that the invention is applicable to any merchandise displaycabinet including a cabinet lock that remains attached to the cabinetwhile the cabinet lock is unlocked to access items of merchandise storedwithin the cabinet. Furthermore, merchandise display security devicessuitable for use with the invention are not limited to a display cabinetand include, but are not limited to, a security display (e.g. alarmstand) as well as other security fixtures (e.g. display hook, shelf,rack, etc.), as well as security packaging for an item of merchandise.The broad concepts of the invention may also be applied to, for example,a door lock, a drawer lock or a shelf lock, as well as any two-piecelocking device that prevents an unauthorized person from accessing,removing or detaching an item from a secure location or position. It isimportant to note that the cabinet lock 20 shown and described herein isself-contained and “universal” in the sense that it may be attached toany pair of overlapping doors without the need to provide a hole,opening, recess or the like in one or more of the doors in aconventional manner.

An exemplary embodiment of a merchandise display security deviceaccording to the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1-4. The merchandisedisplay security device depicted therein is operable for use with amerchandise fixture, namely a merchandise display cabinet 10 adapted fordisplaying and protecting items of merchandise 11 stored within thecabinet. The cabinet 10 includes a pair of overlapping doors thatprevent access to the items of merchandise 11 when the doors are in aclosed and locked configuration. As shown herein, the doors comprise aninner door 12 and an outer door 14 that are each substantiallytransparent so that the items of merchandise 11 can be viewed fromoutside the cabinet 10. However, the doors 12, 14 may be semi-translucent, translucent or opaque as desired to partially obscure orconceal the items of merchandise 11 from view. Regardless, the innerdoor 12 is positioned to the farthest left-hand side of the cabinet 10and the overlapping outer door 14 is positioned to the farthestright-hand side of the cabinet in the closed and locked positiondepicted in FIG. 1. In this position, the cabinet lock 20 may be engagedin a locked configuration to prevent access to the items of merchandise11 stored within the cabinet 10, while still permitting a potentialpurchaser to view the items. As will be readily understood by oneskilled in the art, the “inner” and “outer” relative positions of thedoors 12, 14 may be reversed, if desired.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, a programmable electronic key 40 is used withthe doors 12, 14 in the closed and locked position depicted in FIG. 1 toat least unlock the cabinet lock 20 from the locked configuration. Inother words, the cabinet lock 20 may be automatically placed into alocked configuration when the doors 12, 14 are moved to the closedpositions shown in FIG. 1, for example by a biasing mechanism, such asan elastic spring. Alternatively, and as shown and described in theexemplary embodiments herein, the programmable electronic key 40 may berequired to place the cabinet lock 20 into the locked configurationafter the doors 12, 14 are moved to the closed positions shown inFIG. 1. It may be desirable that the programmable electronic key 40 isrequired to both unlock and lock (or re-lock) the cabinet lock 20 sothat the authorized person responsible for unlocking the cabinet is heldaccountable for locking the cabinet 10 after each time his or her key isused to unlock the cabinet. For example, electronics disposed within theprogrammable electronic key 40 may be used to assign a unique identifiercorresponding to the user of the key to a memory, and to thereafterrecord the date and time of each activation of the key into the memory.As will be described hereafter in greater detail with respect toexemplary embodiments of the invention, a successful activation of thekey 40 occurs, for example, when a security code of the key matches asecurity code assigned to the cabinet lock 20, and the key subsequentlytransfers electrical power to the cabinet lock to operate a lockmechanism of the cabinet lock between a locked configuration and anunlocked configuration or between an unlocked configuration and a lockedconfiguration.

Regardless, an elongate end of the programmable electronic key 40,referred to herein as transfer probe 45, is positioned over a location,such as a visual guide, indentation or recess, on an outward-facingexterior surface of the cabinet lock 20, referred to herein as transferport 25. The key is then activated, for example as illustrated in FIG.2, by depressing an actuator button 46 provided on the exterior of ahousing 42 of the key. As will be explained further hereafter,activation of the actuator button 46 in the locked configuration causesa lock mechanism of the cabinet lock 20 to disengage (i.e. unlock), suchthat the doors 12, 14 of the cabinet 10 are permitted to be moved (i.e.slid) relative to one another to access the merchandise 11 stored withinthe cabinet. In particular, inner door 12 may be slid in the directionof the right-hand side of the cabinet 10 using a semi-circular recess 13formed in the inner door, and/or outer door 14 may be slid in thedirection of the left-hand side of the cabinet using a similarsemi-circular recess (not shown) formed in the outer door.

As depicted in FIG. 3, the inner door 12 has been moved in the directionof the outer door 14, while the outer door has been moved in thedirection of the inner door. As depicted in FIG. 4, the outer door 14has been moved further in the direction of the inner door 12 (i.e.towards the left) so that merchandise 11 disposed within the right-handside of the cabinet 10 can be accessed and removed from the cabinet.Once the merchandise 11 has been accessed, for example by an authorizedperson, such as a sales associate, inner door 12 and outer door 14 maybe returned to the farthest left-hand side and to the farthestright-hand side, respectively, of the cabinet to the closed positiondepicted in FIG. 1, for example using a grommet 13A provided on theinner door and/or a similar grommet (not shown) provided on the outerdoor. Thereafter, the cabinet lock 20 may be returned from the unlockedconfiguration to the locked configuration by repositioning the transferprobe 45 of the key 40 over the transfer port 25 on the cabinet lock 20and depressing actuator button 46 again to cause the lock mechanism toengage (i.e. re-lock) with the doors 12, 14 of the cabinet 10 in theclosed and locked position and thereby prevent access to the merchandise11 stored within the cabinet.

As shown and described herein, the cabinet lock 20 comprises a lockhousing 22 and a complimentary strike plate 32. An exemplary embodimentof a lock housing 22 suitable for use with the invention is shown inFIG. 5 and a corresponding exemplary embodiment of a strike plate 32likewise suitable for use with the invention is shown in FIG. 6. Theunderside (i.e. backside) of the lock housing 22 is shown in FIG. 7. Thelock housing 22 defines a generally hollow interior cavity orcompartment that houses, among other things, electronics including amemory and a lock mechanism that is controlled by the electronics. Theelectronics may be disposed within the lock housing 22 in any knownmanner, for example, on a conventional printed circuit board PCB. Itshould be noted that the cabinet lock 20 is an “electrically passive”device, meaning that the lock housing 22 and the strike plate 32 do notcomprise an internal source of electrical power for operating the lockmechanism. Furthermore, as shown and described herein, the lock housing22 and/or the strike plate 32 do not comprise means for generating orstoring potential energy sufficient to operate the lock mechanism.Accordingly, the cabinet lock 20 requires an external source of power tooperate the lock mechanism, and more particularly, to move the lockmechanism between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration.

The lock housing 22 may be affixed to the outer door 14 in anyconvenient manner. Preferably, lock housing 22 is affixed to the outerdoor 14 in a manner that does not require alteration to the outer door,and more specifically, does not require a hole, opening, recess or thelike to be formed on, in or through the outer door. In the exemplaryembodiment shown and described herein, the lock housing 22 is affixed tothe exterior surface of the outer door 14 using a pressure sensitiveadhesive (PSA), such as double-sided adhesive tape (not shown), in aconventional manner that is well known in the art. Similarly, strikeplate 32 is affixed to the inner door 12 in a manner that does notrequire alteration to the inner door. In the exemplary embodiment shownand described herein, a strap 34 depends from the strike plate 32towards the right-hand side of the cabinet 10 on the exterior surface ofthe inner door and wraps around an edge 13B of the inner door to theinterior surface of the inner door. The strap 34 may be, for example,affixed to the exterior surface of the inner door 12 and to the oppositeinterior surface of the inner door using a pressure sensitive adhesive(PSA), such as double-sided adhesive tape (not shown), in a conventionalmanner that is well known in the art.

The strap 34 portion of the strike plate 32 may be made of a thin sheetof a relatively flexible material, such as fabric, soft plastic orcomposite (e.g. polyethylene, polypropylene, silicone, etc.) or rubber,so that the strap is readily formable around the edge 13B of the innerdoor 12 of the cabinet 10 from the exterior surface of the inner door tothe interior surface of the inner door. However, it has been determinedthat the strap 34 may be vulnerable to an attempt by a potential thiefto separate the strike plate 32 from the inner door 12 by cuttingthrough the strap, and thereby gain access to the merchandise 11 storedwithin the cabinet 10. The strap 34 portion of the strike plate 32 mayalso be made of a thin sheet of a solid, yet relatively formable metal,such as soft aluminum, copper or the like. it has been furtherdetermined, however, that a strap 34 made of a pliable metal is subjectto fatigue and may be vulnerable to an attempt by a potential thief toseparate the strike plate 32 from the inner door 12 by first bending andthen peeling the strap off the inner door, and thereby gain access tothe merchandise 11 stored within the cabinet 10. As a result, it hasbeen found advantageous to make a strap 34 portion of the strike plate32 from a thin sheet of a relatively rigid, yet formable metal providedwith one or more through reliefs. The through reliefs initiallyfacilitate forming (i.e. bending) the strap 34 around the edge 13B ofthe inner door 12 of the cabinet 10. Thereafter, the reliefs frustrateand defeat tampering with the strap 34 by a potential thief attemptingto separate the strike plate 32 from the inner door 12 of the cabinet 10to thereby gain access to the merchandise 11 stored within the cabinet.

FIG. 7 shows an exemplary embodiment of a strap 54 portion of a strikeplate 32 configured for use with the cabinet lock 20 of the presentinvention. The strap 54 is made of a relatively rigid, yet formablemetal, such as soft steel, aluminum, copper or the like. In thisexemplary embodiment, the strap 54 is made of 304 Stainless Steel deadsoft, or an engineering equivalent material. The strap 54 has at leastone, and preferably at least a pair of through holes 52 for securing thestrap to the strike plate 32 with suitable fasteners (not shown). Thestrap 54 further has one or more through reliefs 56 for assisting informing (i.e. bending) the end of the strap opposite the holes 52. Asshown in FIG. 7, the strap 54 has a pair of through reliefs 56 in theform of elongated slots extending with the grain of the metal in thelengthwise direction of the strap. As previously mentioned, the slots 56are configured and adapted to assist in forming the strap 54, and moreparticularly, for bending the end of the strap distal from the holes 52around the edge 13B of the inner door 12 of the merchandise displaycabinet 10 for use in a strike assembly of a cabinet lock 20 in themanner shown and described herein. If desired, the distal end of thestrap 54 may be formed with an angled portion 57 relative to theremainder of the strap.

The strap 54 is also provided with a strap adhesive 58 for securing thestrap to the interior surface of the inner door 12 of the merchandisedisplay cabinet 10. In this exemplary embodiment, the strap adhesive 58is a relatively thin layer of a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA)commonly referred to in the art as double-sided tape. Strap adhesive 58may be transparent, as indicated, or may be semi-transparent,translucent or opaque, as desired. A first side of the double-sided tapeof the strap adhesive 58 is adhered to the distal end of the strap 54 onan interior side of the strap that is opposite the optional angledportion 55. The strap adhesive 20 is positioned adjacent the throughreliefs 14 and extends away from the reliefs in the direction of theangled portion 55 and beyond the distal end of the strap. As best shownin FIG. 6, the strap 34, or optionally strap 54, is secured behind thestrike plate 32 by the mechanical fasteners (not shown) that extendthrough the holes 52 provided in the strap. The strike plate 32,including the strap 54, is then adhered to an exterior surface of theinner door 12 of the merchandise display cabinet 10 using a like PSA,such as double-sided tape. The strap 54, including strap adhesive 58adhered to the distal end of the strap is then formed (i.e. bent) aroundthe edge 13B of the inner door 12 of the cabinet 10 and adhered to theinterior surface of the inner door using the free side of thedouble-sided tape of the strap adhesive 58.

The through reliefs 56 disposed between the holes 52 used to secure thestrap 54 to the strike plate 32 and the strap adhesive 58 serve tofacilitate forming (i.e. bending) the strap 54 sufficiently, and moreparticularly, approximately one hundred eighty degrees (180°) around theedge 13B of the inner door 12 of the merchandise display cabinet 10. Itshould be noted that the reliefs 56 thereafter serve to defeat anattempt by a potential thief to tamper with the strap 54 and therebyseparate the strike plate 32 from the inner door 12 of the cabinet 10 tothereby gain access to the merchandise 11 stored within the cabinet.Unlike a strap made of a relatively flexible material, or a strap madeof a solid metal, the strap 54, being made of a relatively rigid, yetformable material due to through reliefs 56 tends to deform in thevicinity of the reliefs into geometry that defeats tampering effortswhen a potential thief attempts to cut, rip, tear through, or otherwiseseparate the strap from the strike plate 32. More particularly, thestrap 54 tends to collapse upon itself in the vicinity of the throughreliefs 56, and thereby deform into an irregular shape that is resistantto further attempts to cut, rip, tear through, or otherwise separate thestrap from the strike plate 32.

As previously mentioned, transfer port 25 of cabinet lock 20 is providedon the outward-facing exterior surface of lock housing 22 for receivingthe transfer probe 45 of the programmable electronic key 40. In theexemplary embodiments shown and described herein, transfer probe 25 is astepped recess formed in the exterior surface of lock housing 22 andcomprises a thin film or screen 28 made of a durable plastic. Screen 28has a circular center portion 29 surrounded by an annular portion 30.Center portion 29 is optically transparent for a purpose to bedescribed. Annular portion 30 is preferably segmented, as will bedescribed hereafter, to indicate various operational states of thecabinet lock 20, such as a locked configuration and an unlockedconfiguration. One or more segments of the annular portion 30 may beenergized (e.g. illuminated) in a suitable manner to visually indicate apredetermined operational state of the cabinet lock 20. The centerportion 29 of the transfer port 25 is optically transparent to permitelectronics disposed within the programmable electronic key 40 towirelessly communicate with the electronics (i.e. printed circuit boardPCB) disposed within the lock housing 22 of the cabinet lock 20 in themanner shown and described in the aforementioned U.S. application Ser.No. 13/222,225. By way of example, the cabinet lock 20 and theprogrammable electronic key 40 may each be provided with an opticaltransceiver, for example an Infrared (IR) transceiver, for transmittingand receiving infrared (IR) signals therebetween. Alternatively, thetransfer port 25 need not be optically transparent and the electronicsdisposed within the programmable key 40 may wirelessly communicate withthe electronics (i.e. printed circuit board PCB) disposed within thelock housing 22 of the cabinet lock 20, for example via radio frequency(RF) transceivers transmitting and/or receiving RF signals therebetween.

In the exemplary embodiment shown and described herein, the programmableelectronic key 40 may be programmed with a security code and the cabinetlock 20 may be programmed with the same security code, for example bythe key or by the same security device that programmed the key.Thereafter, the transfer probe 45 of the key 40 is positioned within thetransfer port 25 of the cabinet lock 20 and the actuator button 46 ispressed to activate communication of the security code between thecabinet lock and the key. In one example, the electronics of the key 40verify that the cabinet lock 20 has a security code, and the electronics(i.e. printed circuit board PCB) disposed within the lock housing 22 ofthe cabinet lock then query the key for its security code. As previouslydescribed herein, the security code is wireles sly communicated betweenthe cabinet lock 20 and the key 40 by Infrared (IR) opticaltransmission. Alternatively, the security code may be transmitted andreceived (i.e. transferred) by electrical contacts, acoustictransmission (e.g. RF signals) or magnetic induction. In the event thatthe security code of the key 40 matches the security code of the cabinetlock 20, the key is then permitted to transfer electrical power to thecabinet lock, for example, to operate the lock mechanism of the cabinetlock. The key 40 may transfer electrical power to the cabinet lock 20 inany suitable manner, such as by electrical contacts, acousticaltransmission (e.g. RF signals) or magnetic induction. In exemplaryembodiments, the programmable electronic key 40 transfers sufficientelectrical power to the cabinet lock 20 to at least operate the lockmechanism by inductive transfer in the manner shown and described in theaforementioned U.S. application Ser. No. 13/222,225.

As best shown in FIG. 8, lock housing 22 further comprises a plunger pin23 that protrudes outwardly (i.e. towards the interior of the cabinet10, and thus, in the direction of strike plate 32) from an underside 21of the lock housing. A lock mechanism, such as conventional servo motor(not shown), disposed within the lock housing 22 is electricallyoperated by the electronics (i.e. printed circuit board PCB) disposedwithin the lock housing to move the plunger pin 23 between an extended(locked) position and a retracted (unlocked) position. In the retracted(unlocked) position, a movable blocking member 24 covers the plunger pin23 to thereby prevent the plunger pin from being moved by the lockmechanism from the retracted (unlocked) position to the extended(locked) position. As best shown in FIG. 6, strike plate 32 has a hole,opening, recess or the like feature 33 formed in a topside 31 of thestrike plate to receive the plunger pin 23 of the lock housing 22 in theextended (locked) position. Strike plate 32 further comprises opposedoutwardly depending arms 36 that engage corresponding grooves 26 formedin the underside 21 of the lock housing 22. When cabinet lock 20 movesfrom the unlocked configuration (FIG. 4) to the locked configuration(FIG. 1), grooves 26 of the lock housing 22 are aligned in receivingrelationship with arms 36 of the strike plate 32.

As lock housing 22 passes over the strike plate 32 going from theunlocked configuration to the locked configuration, a leading edge 37(FIG. 6) of the strike plate 32 contacts a protrusion 28 to move theblocking member 24 on the underside 21 of the lock housing 22 away fromplunger pin 23 so that the lock mechanism is thereafter permitted tomove the plunger pin from the retracted (unlocked) position to theextended (locked) position. When arms 36 of the strike plate 32 arefully received within grooves 26 of the lock housing 22, feature 33 isaligned with plunger pin 23 so as to receive the plunger pin in theextended (locked) position. As previously mentioned, the cabinet lock 20is required to receive electrical power transferred from theprogrammable electronic key 40 before the electronics (i.e. printedcircuit board PCB) disposed within the lock housing 22 operate the lockmechanism to move the plunger pin 23 from the retracted (unlocked)position to the extended (locked) position. Accordingly, an authorizedperson, such as a sales associate, must position the transfer probe 45of the programmable electronic key 40 within the transfer port 25 of thecabinet lock 20 and depress the actuator button 46 to verify thesecurity code and activate the electronics (i.e. printed circuit boardPCB) disposed within the lock housing 22 to operate the lock mechanism.

As previously mentioned, cabinet lock 20 may be provided with anoptional visual indicator to indicate the status of the lock mechanism,and thus, the status of the cabinet lock. In particular, the visualindicator may indicate whether the cabinet lock 20 is in a lockedconfiguration (FIG. 1) or an unlocked configuration (FIG. 4). Aspreviously mentioned, screen 28 of transfer port 25 comprises segmentedannular portion 30. As illustrated in FIG. 9, annular portion 30 has atleast two distinct segments that are energized for visually indicatingthe status of the cabinet lock 20. For example, annular portion 30 maycomprise a plurality of smaller segments, indicated generally at A, thatare separated by a plurality of larger segments, indicated generally atB. As shown, an “UNLOCKED” status may be visually indicated by thesegments A and the segments B both not being energized by a suitabledisplay technology (i.e. OFF). Conversely, a “LOCKED” status may bevisually indicated by the segments A and the segments B both beingenergized by a suitable display technology (i.e. ON). A combination ofthe segments A being energized (i.e. ON) and the segments B not beingenergized (i.e. OFF); or conversely, the segments B being energized(i.e. ON) and the segments A not being energized (i.e. OFF), mayvisually indicate an “ERROR” state. An ERROR state may exist, forexample, when blocking member 24 overlies plunger pin 23 such that thelock mechanism is unable to move the plunger pin from the retracted(unlocked) position to the extended (locked) position.

Regardless, segments A and segments B of the annular portion 30 of thescreen 28 of transfer port 25 are electrically connected by conductivetraces or wires to leads 38 provided on a distal end of the screen. Inturn, leads 38 are electrically connected to the electronics (i.e.printed circuit board PCB) disposed within the lock housing 22 of thecabinet lock 20. A suitable display technology forenergizing/illuminating segments A and segments B on the annular portion30 of screen 28 is Electronic Paper Display (EPD), commonly known as“electronic paper,” “e-paper,” electronic ink” or “e-ink” of the typethat is commercially available from E Ink Corporation of Cambridge,Mass., USA. Furthermore, the programmable electronic key 40 may beprovided with a visible and/or audible indicator for indicating that thecabinet lock 20 has been successfully moved from a locked configurationto an unlocked configuration, or conversely, from an unlockedconfiguration to a locked configuration. In addition or alternatively,the key 40 may be provided with a continuous or periodic visible and/oraudible indicator that indicates the cabinet lock 20 is in an unlockedconfiguration. Furthermore, the programmable electronic key 40 mayprovide a distinctly different visible and/or audible indication if thecabinet lock is in an ERROR state, or alternatively, if the key failsfor any reason to successfully transfer electrical power from the key tothe cabinet lock 20 to operate the lock mechanism of the cabinet lock.

The exemplary embodiments provided herein also broadly describe amerchandise display security system and method including a programmableelectronic key that transfers electrical power to a merchandise securitydevice for use with a merchandise fixture wherein the merchandisesecurity device comprises a lock mechanism that is operated by theelectrical power transferred from the key to the security device. Thesystem and method may further comprise an optional programming stationoperable for programming the electronic key with a security code, forexample a Security Disarm Code (SDC). The electronic key and thesecurity device may each be pre-programmed with the same SDC into arespective permanent memory. Alternatively, the electronic key may firstbe programmed with the SDC by the programming station and the securitydevice may subsequently be programmed with the same SDC by theprogramming station or by the electronic key. The electronic key may beprovisioned with a single-use (i.e. non-rechargeable) internal powersource, such as a conventional or extended-life battery. Alternatively,the electronic key may be provisioned with a multiple-use (i.e.rechargeable) internal power source, such as a conventional capacitor orrechargeable battery.

In either instance, the internal source of electrical power may bepermanent, semi-permanent (i.e. replaceable), or rechargeable, asdesired. In the latter instance, the system and method may furthercomprise an optional charging station with, for example, inductive powertransfer capability operable to initially charge and/or to subsequentlyrecharge the internal power source of the electronic key. Furthermore,the electronic key and/or the security device may be provided with onlya transient memory, such that the SDC must be reprogrammed periodically.In this instance, the programming station is configured to initiallyprogram and to subsequently reprogram the SDC into the electronic keyand the security device, or alternatively, the electronic key isoperable to initially program and to subsequently reprogram the securitydevice with the SDC. The electronic key is further operable to transferelectrical power to the security device to operate the lock mechanism.In other exemplary embodiments, the electronic key is operable towirelessly communicate the security code with the security device and totransfer electrical power by induction to operate the lock mechanism ofthe security device.

It will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the cabinetlock shown and described herein is but one of a number of “electricallypassive” merchandise security devices including a lock mechanism thatcan be configured to be operated by an electronic key in accordance withthe invention. By way of example and without limitation, the merchandisesecurity device may be a locking base for securing a merchandise displayhook to a display support, such as pegboard, slatwall, bar stock or wiregrid, or may be a locking end assembly for preventing the rapid removalof merchandise from the merchandise display hook. Alternatively, themerchandise security device may be a merchandise security display standcomprising a physical lock mechanism for securing the display stand to adisplay support, such as a table, counter, desk, wall, or other fixedstructure. Alternatively, the merchandise security device may beincorporated into packaging for one or more items of merchandisecomprising a lock mechanism for separating the packaging from themerchandise or for removing the merchandise from the packaging. Stillfurther, the merchandise security device may be a conventional door orwindow lock for preventing access to a room, booth, or enclosure. In anyembodiment, the merchandise security device may further comprise anelectronic sensor, such as a conventional proximity, limit or contactswitch, and an associated electronic monitoring circuit that activatesan alarm in response to the switch being actuated or the integrity ofthe switch or the monitoring circuit being compromised.

That which is claimed is:
 1. A merchandise security device forprotecting merchandise from theft, comprising: a lock mechanism adaptedto be affixed to a merchandise fixture; and an indicator for indicatinga state of the lock mechanism, wherein the lock mechanism is configuredto receive electrical power from an electronic key to operate the lockmechanism between an unlocked configuration and a locked configurationor between the locked configuration and the unlocked configuration, andwherein the indicator is configured to be energized in response to thelock mechanism receiving electrical power from the electronic key. 2.The merchandise security device according to claim 1, wherein the lockmechanism does not include an internal source of electrical power. 3.The merchandise security device according to claim 1, wherein the lockmechanism is configured to receive electrical power from the electronickey by inductive transfer.
 4. The merchandise security device accordingto claim 1, further comprising a transfer port configured to facilitatecommunication with the electronic key.
 5. The merchandise securitydevice according to claim 1, wherein the indicator is configured tovisually indicate one of a plurality of different states of the lockmechanism in response to the lock mechanism receiving electrical powerfrom the electronic key.
 6. The merchandise security device according toclaim 5, wherein the indicator comprises a plurality of segments, aplurality of different combinations of one or more of the segments beingenergized is configured to indicate respective states of the lockmechanism, and wherein one or more of the plurality of segments isconfigured to be energized in response to the lock mechanism receivingelectrical power from the electronic key.
 7. The merchandise securitydevice according to claim 5, wherein the indicator comprises a pluralityof first segments and a plurality of second segments for visuallyindicating the state of the lock mechanism, and wherein the plurality offirst segments or the plurality of second segments is configured to beenergized to visually indicate a first state of the lock mechanism, andwherein the plurality of first segments and the plurality of secondsegments are configured to be energized to visually indicate a secondstate of the lock mechanism that is different than the first state. 8.The merchandise security device according to claim 5, wherein energizinga portion of the plurality of segments and not energizing a remainingportion of the plurality of segments is indicative of a first state ofthe lock mechanism, and wherein energizing all of the plurality ofsegments is indicative of a second state of the lock mechanism that isdifferent than the first state.
 9. The merchandise security deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the lock mechanism defines an interiorcompartment having electronics disposed therein for operating the lockmechanism with the electrical power transferred by the electronic key,and wherein the indicator is electrically connected to the electronics.10. The merchandise security device according to claim 1, wherein theindicator is configured to be energized in response to the state of thelock mechanism changing from the locked configuration to the unlockedconfiguration or from the unlocked configuration to the lockedconfiguration.
 11. The merchandise security device according to claim 1,wherein the lock mechanism is electrically passive.
 12. A merchandisesecurity device for a merchandise fixture that protects merchandise fromtheft, comprising: a lock housing configured to be affixed to themerchandise fixture, the lock housing comprising a lock mechanism thatis movable between an unlocked configuration and a locked configurationor between the locked configuration and the unlocked configuration, thelock housing comprising an indicator for indicating a state of the lockmechanism; and an electronic key for transferring electrical power tooperate the lock mechanism between the unlocked configuration and thelocked configuration, wherein the indicator is configured to beenergized in response to the lock mechanism receiving electrical powerfrom the electronic key.
 13. The merchandise security device accordingto claim 12, wherein the electronic key is configured to transferelectrical power to the lock mechanism by inductive transfer.
 14. Themerchandise security device according to claim 12, wherein theelectronic key is configured to be programmed with a security code andcommunicate the security code with the lock mechanism by wirelesscommunication.
 15. The merchandise security device according to claim14, wherein the electronic key is configured to communicate the securitycode with the lock mechanism by infrared (IR) optical transmission. 16.The merchandise security device according to claim 12, wherein the lockhousing defines an interior compartment having electronics disposedtherein for operating the lock mechanism with the electrical powertransferred by the electronic key, and wherein the indicator iselectrically connected to the electronics.
 17. The merchandise securitydevice according to claim 12, wherein the indicator is configured tovisually indicate one of a plurality of different states of the lockmechanism in response to the lock mechanism receiving electrical powerfrom the electronic key.
 18. The merchandise security device accordingto claim 12, wherein the indicator is configured to be energized inresponse to the state of the lock mechanism changing from the lockedconfiguration to the unlocked configuration or from the unlockedconfiguration to the locked configuration.
 19. A method for protectingmerchandise from theft, the method comprising: affixing a merchandisesecurity device to a merchandise fixture, the merchandise securitydevice comprising a lock mechanism; and activating an electronic key totransfer electrical power from an internal source of electrical power tothe merchandise security device to operate the lock mechanism between anunlocked configuration and a locked configuration or between the lockedconfiguration and the unlocked configuration, wherein the lock comprisesan indicator for indicating a state of the lock mechanism, and whereinthe indicator is configured to be energized in response to the lockmechanism receiving electrical power from the electronic key.
 20. Themethod according to claim 19, wherein the indicator is configured to beenergized in response to the state of the lock mechanism changing fromthe locked configuration to the unlocked configuration or from theunlocked configuration to the locked configuration.